E3: Studio MDHR Shows Off Cuphead - Delays Until 2016

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I'm constantly finding out about new game developers in Toronto. My favourite is when I see a trailer and go "wow this game looks amazing" and then find out it is being developed right here in Toronto. This is exactly what I thought when I saw Cuphead from Studio MDHR whose developers call home in Oakville, and Regina.

"Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional cel animation (hand drawn & hand inked!), watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings. Play as Cuphead or Mugman (in single player or co-op) as you traverse strange worlds, acquire new weapons, learn powerful super moves, and discover hidden secrets. Cuphead is all action, all the time."

Cuphead was previously announced for 2015 but has been delayed until 2016 so they can make the game better: "With Microsoft helping us out, we are able to push the art further, refine the mechanics more, and deliver the Cuphead game we’ve always dreamed of".  Check out the trailer and screenshots below!

Cuphead is scheduled for release on Xbox One and PC sometime in 2016. Make sure to follow the developer on Twitter for all the latest!

E3: Online And Single-player Announced For Runbow

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Developer 13AM Games teased last week there would be some surprises for E3 and today they announced some exciting features for their upcoming game, Runbow.  The 9-player platformer will have a single player campaign, and online (in case you didn't have 8 friends to play with).  Also announced was from now until June 22nd, there will be a demo available on the Nintendo e-shop, in which you trigger a 15% discount for when the game actually launches.

Check out the new trailer below!

The game looks great! Make sure to follow them on Twitter and stay tuned to TorontoGameDevs.com for all the latest on Toronto developed video games at E3.

Sunday June 14th: Toronto Game Developer Job Postings

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With E3 right around the corner, I almost forgot to write about some of the job opportunities I've come across this week.  Check them out below, and make sure to let me know on Twitter if you're hiring.

If you're a video game developer and looking for co-op's, make sure to check out this recent post about Sheridan College. The company names, and jobs are links to the gamedev sites.

Gameloft - Programmer, Level Designer, 3D Artist and more

"By working for Gameloft, you will have an unparalleled degree of autonomy in your work while keeping the support and advice of your team always within reach. Our work methods are constantly evolving to ensure a setting that encourages experimentation, thinking outside of the box, and learning while doing."

Ubisoft Toronto - UI Programer, Level Artist, Game Director and more

Ubisoft is the biggest studio in Toronto, so they are always kind of hiring. There are a lot of different positions, and it's worth always checking their site every now and then.

Mark Media - Senior Game Design, Game Producer, 3D Generalist, and more

"Mark Media is an exciting new film, television and digital media production company based in Toronto that combines culture and technology to create media properties that entertain, inspire and educate across platforms. With expertise in kids, factual, feature film and digital gaming, Mark produces culturally rich and engaging cross‐media content for global audiences of all ages"

That's it for this week! If you're hiring for some talent be sure to let me know. Enjoy E3!

 

 

Registration For N++ Beta Opens Up

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Developer Metanet Software has opened up a Google survey to complete for a chance to be in the N++ Beta.

"We’re doing a private Beta Test with a small group of players, to make sure the N++ server (that handles level-sharing and highscores) is ready for launch — and we’re running a Contesque to help choose our testers. If you have a PS4 and an SCEA account, you could be one of those lucky people."

You can fill out the form here. N++ is just around the corner, who's excited?

 

E3 Preview - Toronto GameDevs Who Will Be There

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Interested in knowing what Toronto Game Developers will be at E3 this week? Look no further then the list below! 

Confirmed

Here are the studios that have told me, or tweeted that they will be at E3.

Capybara Games

I would imagine that Capybara will be showing off Super Time Force Ultra on PS4, and perhaps even their upcoming game Below.

13AM Games

13AM Games will be there most likely showing off Runbow for WiiU. Their tweet suggests we'll see than at other places.

I got to play GastroBots at Bit Bazaar earlier this year, and that's what they'll be showing off this year.

Benjamin Rivers

According to a recent tweet, Ben is there to show off Alone With You at the PlayStation booth.

Unconfirmed (but likely)

These are the studios that are most likely going to E3 and what game they're showing.

DrinkBox Studios - Severed

Clapfoot Games - Fortified 

Metanet Software - N++

Ubisoft Toronto - ??? (Ubisoft has their own press conference at E3, but what specifically is coming out of Toronto is still unknown).

If you're a Toronto GameDev and at E3, then be sure to let me know!

Toronto Developed Games On Sale In the Summer Steam Sale

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With the big steam summer sale well under way, Bret Measor suggested I do a News post about the games on sale that were developed in our area. I thought "what a great idea!"

Except Torn Banner Studios beat me to it.  So make sure to check out their awesome blog post (and check out Chivalry: Medieval Warfare which is on sale by 80%). Lots of great Toronto developed games are on sale this week.

Game Developers Looking For Co-ops: Sheridan College Got What You Need

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Are any of the game developers that read this blog looking for co-op for the work term this coming Winter? Alice o'Carroll reached out to me over Twitter, letting me know they have a bunch of students avalble for co-op semester from their BA Game Design program.

You can find out more about the program by going to Sheridan's website. Any interested Game developers can also email Alice: alice.ocarroll@sheridancollege.ca. I'll try my best to find some positions for this Sunday's edition of Game Dev Jobs.

If you are hiring and want to advertise your job opening, make sure to reach out to me on Twitter or email.

Toronto GameDev: Metanet Software

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With N++ just around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to highlight the developer behind the 2D platformer, Metanet Software. On May 30th, the developer posted on their blog that the game is close to being released:

"We are aiming to get N++ into cert in the coming weeks, and though we won’t know when the game will be ready for release until it’s through cert, we will keep you posted as soon as we have any info!"

They also posted some of the enemy highlights which we have also been posting. I've put some of them below.

Make sure to follow the developer on Twitter, and stay tuned to TorontoGameDevs.com for the latest on N++.

Sunday June 7th: Toronto GameDev Job Postings

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Happy Sunday! Here are some of the game development job postings I was able to find this week. Make sure to check out past weeks here and here. Be sure to click the bolded text read more about the studio/positions.

Clipwire Games - Game Designer, Software Developer (C#) Mobile Game Server Software Developer (PHP), and 2D Game Artist

"Clipwire Games first made it’s mark in the gaming industry on Facebook, creating some of Facebook’s most exciting fastest growing games. Since our humble beginnings, our games have been played and enjoyed by millions worldwide. Clipwire Games takes pride in building fun games with rich multimedia and immersive experiences. Best of all… our games are free-to-play! Our games are available in seven languages on both Facebook and Kongregate. Now we are poised to make a lasting impact on the mobile market and become a global leader in that space."

Sinking Ship - Game Artist/Animator:

"We are looking for full-time Game Artist/Animators to work on character, environment, and interface art and animation for a variety of 2D and 3D games and apps for kids. The Game Artist/Animator will work directly with our Developers and be a key contributor to all stages of development from concept to launch."

Sinking Ship - HTML 5 Game Developer: 

"We are currently seeking a HTML 5 Game Programmer to help produce online / mobile experiences for our properties and join our growing Sinking Ship Interactive team. We are looking for a self-starter who is excited to learn and improve his or her skillset in the ever-evolving medium of the web and mobile."

Countdown to Stage Select: Nefarious Dimensions

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Fairly new developer Nefarious Dimensions will be at Stage Select this weekend.  The developer, who has roots in working with EA, Sony, and Crytek will be showing off their game Planetary Prospectors: ARM (Astroid Resource Mining):

"The gold rush in space has begun! Corporations and many independent prospectors have entered the race to collect the most minerals and become the wealthiest miners in the galaxy. You have been given the opportunity to mine asteroids within an infinite procedurally generated universe that contains meteor showers, space stations, mining refineries and much more to be discovered. Purchase and upgrade a wide variety of spaceships and equipment. Use the right tools at the right time on many different kinds of surfaces to more effectively recover gems and minerals. Plan, strategize and prioritize which asteroids to mine and manage limited fuel and cargo space. Get too greedy and you can get stuck in deep space with no fuel! But manage your resources wisely and you could be rolling in spacebucks…"

You can help fund the game by contributing to them via PayPal (with an IndieGoGo campaign to start soon), and follow them on Twitter.

Countdown To Stage Select: Bluish-Green Productions

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The developers behind Orbit, Bluish-Green Productions, will be at Stage Select this weekend.  

"Bluish-Green Productions is a Toronto based Indie game development studio, created by Attila “Gabriel” Branyiczky. The studio specializes in 2D games created with GameMaker for Desktop and Mobile. Bluish-Green Productions is also responsible for the development of GameMaker tutorials and extensions to the program created to assist new developers who are looking to give game development a try and want an easy place to start"

Make sure to check out some of the studios past games here, and give them a follow on Twitter.

Countdown To Stage Select: OSnap Games!

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Continuing our countdown to Stage Select this weekend, we have the independent developer OSnap Games!

"OSnap Games, founded in early 2012 by a small group of game developers who are tired of the way modern studios worked. The shared vision among the founding members was to create a highly competitive video game studio here in Toronto, Ontario that Canada can call its own. We set out to create fun and compelling games in an environment that encourages the creativity and collaboration that a successful video game studio requires. OSnap Games also recognizes the importance of a strong and loyal fan base and because of that we have a very open line of communication with our community through our forums, Facebook, Twitter and other social media. We believe that combining a healthy corporate culture and an active communication channel with our players will allow us to create highly successful games, and a very strong relationship with our community."

Most recently OSnap Games announced their twin stick shooter Quasar was successfully greenlit on Steam.  Make sure to check out more of Quasar and follow the developer on Twitter!


Come Check Out Indie Game 'Pug Puncher'

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The developers behind Pug Puncher will be showing off their game at the RCC Institute of Technology June 16th at 2:30pm (that's at 2000 Steeles Ave. West in Concord). 

"Okay, now a little about Pug Puncher. It's a 2.5D action platformer being developed in Unity 3D. You the player (AKA Pug Puncher) must fight your way through lots of evil super-intelligent pugs to bring JUSTICE to the ruined city now run by the pugs."

If you want to check out some of the updates on Pug Puncher make sure to check out their Twitter media page.  You can also follow along on the games official blog.

Countdown To Stage Select: 13AM Games

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Fun fact! Runbow was one of the first games I ever wrote about on the Toronto GameDevs tumblr.  The developer, 13AM Games, blew me away with the idea of a 9-player party platformer.  The game looks so chaotic and fun and lucky for everyone it will be at Stage Select this weekend:

"13AM Games is a new studio growing out of Toronto’s vibrant indie game scene. A passionate group of people with a variety of specialties aiming to make games that will be fun to play and to showcase proudly. Having recently shipped on Android and iOS 13AM Games is developing their first console title, Runbow—a frantic, multiplayer, racing platformer."

eep your eye on these guys, they're going to take the WiiU by storm when Runbow launches. Until then, make sure to check out Stage Select to play the game.